Foldable Container and Foldable Supporting Frame Thereof, and Folding Method

ABSTRACT

A foldable container includes a supporting frame, a container body arranged on the supporting frame, and a supporting pad, wherein the container body is flexible and is constructed to be unfolded for containing a liquid for the pet to bath, wherein the supporting pad is arranged at the container body for supporting the pet in the container body.

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

This is a Continuation application that claims the benefit of priorityunder 35U.S.C.§119 to a non-provisional application, application number17/747,857, filed May 18, 2022, which is a Continuation-In-Partapplication that claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C.§120 to anon-provisional application, application number 17/251,752, filed Dec.11, 2020, which is a non-provisional application which is a U.S.National Stage under 35 U.S.C. 371 of the International ApplicationNumber PCT/CN2019/090087, filed Jun. 05, 2019, which claims priority toChinese application numbers 201810575375.9, 201820871770.7,201820871648.X and 201820871354.7, filed Jun. 06, 2018, and also aContinuation application that claims the benefit of priority under35U.S.C.§120 to a non-provisional application, application number16/041,822, filed Jul. 22, 2018, this application is also anon-provisional application that claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 toChina application number CN202220709424.5, filed Mar. 29, 2022, whichare incorporated herewith by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a foldable appliance, and moreparticularly to a foldable container with foldable supporting frame andfolding method thereof.

Description of Related Arts

Many foldable brackets are designed and aid for daily entertainmentactivities. Accordingly, a height of the bracket can be raised to liftup the appliance from the ground during the use of the appliance. As aresult, the user does not have to bend or squat to use the appliance.Once the bracket is folded, a size of the bracket is reduced for storageand space saving.

Household temporary container, especially large size receptacle, ispopular to be used as basin, bathtub or swimming pool for bathing,cleaning or playing purpose. This temporary container is convenient formost families. For example, the user is able to move this temporarycontainer from place to place, such as bathroom or yard, as needed.Since this kind of container needs to have space large enough to hold atleast a child or pet inside while having enough space to contain wateror cleaning liquid, the conventional container is generally made inlarger size. This kind of rigid container is convenient for mostfamilies also take wider space for using water, usually in outdoor areaor bathroom. It is known that such relatively large container is notrequired to be used all the time or even daily use, this temporarycontainer will not be the primary consideration for most families inview of storage, especially for urban families. Since the storage inurban family is very limited, it is a problem to store the temporarycontainer when it is not in used. These defects of the temporarycontainer cannot be solved and this temporary container is not practicalin use.

Specifically, in order to reduce the space occupied by the temporarycontainer when it is not in use, the current temporary container isdesigned to be inflatable, such that the temporary container is reusedby inflating and deflating the temporary container. Usually, thetemporary container is inflated by an inflator or inflatable pump.Before using the inflatable temporary container, it is necessary toinitially place the inflatable temporary container in a preset position,and then use the inflatable pump to inflate the inflatable temporarycontainer for at least five minutes for fully inflate the temporarycontainer by filling a predetermined amount of gas to bias against theinner sidewall of the temporary container so as to support the shape ofthe temporary container. In other words, it is very troublesome to setupthe temporary container. If the inflatable pump is damaged or lost, theinflatable temporary container cannot be used at all. Moreover, in orderto facilitate the temporary container being folded after deflation, itis also necessary to provide an air exhaust vent at the temporarycontainer. If the air exhaust vent is poorly sealed, air leakage islikely to occur. Once the inflatable temporary container has an airleakage problem, it is easy to cause the water or cleaning liquidcontained in the temporary container to leak out, especially for thetemporary container used in the living room. In other words, if thewater or cleaning fluid leaks out of the temporary container, it willinevitably cause water damage to the home environment. Furthermore,during the manufacturing process of the inflatable temporary container,the air exhaust vent is affixed to the sidewall of the temporarycontainer to communicate with an interior air chamber of the inflatabletemporary container. It is difficult to ensure the tightness between thesidewall and the air exhaust vent.

For the temporary container made of plastic, it must be stored indoorsin order to prevent the plastic aging from directly exposing under thesun. Therefore, it is necessary to save a larger space for storing thetemporary container. In some cases, the entire temporary container isused to store various items inside the container during storage, suchthat these items must be placed somewhere in the storage room. However,before the next use of the temporary container, additional steps arerequired to take out the items and clean the container before use.

In addition to liquid containers, some cooking utensils, such as grills,table tops, etc., have similar problems. One of the major problems isstability after it is setup. Since the foldable bracket is movable, itis a major concern how to keep the stability of the foldable bracketwhen it is unfolded. The existing foldable bracket is basicallyconstructed to have a X-shaped pivotal structure. This structureprovides high mobility and is easy to deform during use. The foldableangle may increase permanently as the structure is frequently used.

In addition, the temporary container is directly placed on the groundwhen it is used, wherein the user will need to bend over when helpingchildren or pets to clean, which is likely to hurt health the user,especially the back of the user.

Even though the existing foldable brackets can be folded, the foldingoperation thereof requires many steps. Basically, it requires two handsto close the bracket, and may also need to rotate and fold differentparts of the bracket frame. So, the traditional folding process of thefoldable bracket is very troublesome. Since the folding process iscomplicated and difficult, the user will merely keep the temporarycontainer being unfolded all the time, which fails to achieve the mainpurpose of folding up the temporary container for storage to save thespace.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The invention is advantageous in that it provides a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable container can be folded to reduce the overall size thereofwhen the foldable container in not in use.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe space occupied by the foldable container after being folded isgreatly reduced to save the storage space of the foldable container andto allow the folded foldable container to be easily carried.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinwhen the foldable supporting frame is unfolded, the foldable supportingframe is raised and supported at a predetermined height for stablysupporting the container.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe size of the foldable supporting frame is enlarged when it isunfolded and the size of the foldable supporting frame is reduced whenit is folded.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable container can be conveniently operated to quickly convertthe foldable container between the folded mode and the unfolded mode.The folding and unfolding operations of the foldable container does notrequire any tool to move foldable container between the folded mode andthe unfolded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame is folded by a single pulling forcewithout additional force or steps, and then the foldable supportingframe is folded up and is ready for storage or carry.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame is easily pulled for being folded up andstored. Therefore, the folded foldable supporting frame can fit in anarrow storage space.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe folded foldable supporting frame is easily and quickly unfolded foruse without any tools or devices so as to save time and to minimize anycomplicated steps.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame can be used as a support for liquidcontainers or household utensils.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame can support the appliance at apredetermined height from the ground, so as to keep the water orcleaning liquid from the ground for maintaining relative hygiene andcleanliness.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable container allows the water or cleaning liquid containedtherein being automatically flowed out and drained.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable container is easily cleaned and is easy to actuate and keepdry.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinwhen the foldable supporting frame is folded, the container isautomatically folded at the same time for facilitating the foldingoperation of the foldable container to convert from the unfolded mode tothe folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinwhen the foldable supporting frame is unfolded, the container isautomatically unfolded for facilitating the unfolding operation of thefoldable container to convert from the folded mode to the unfolded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe container is pulled and folded to fold up the foldable supportingframe at the same time without any direct operation of the foldablesupporting frame, so as to automatically move the foldable supportingframe from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinwhen the foldable container is in the unfolded mode, the foldablecontainer can be pulled by a pulling action to easily fold up thefoldable container from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinwhen the foldable container is at the unfolded mode, the foldablecontainer allows a one-handed pulling operation to simplify the foldingoperation of the foldable container.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame can support the container to raise at apredetermined height so as to allow the user comfortably cleaning forchildren or pets, as an example. In other words, the foldable containerallows the user to wash the child or pet in a standing position, whichis beneficial to the health of the user, and is particularly beneficialto the back of the user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame is supported and raised at a predeterminedheight for the user to operate comfortably without bending the back ofthe user.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe shape of the foldable supporting frame is restricted when it isfolded without being pulled, such that the foldable supporting frameprovides a stable supporting ability.

Another advantage of the invention is to provide a foldable containerand a foldable supporting frame thereof and its folding method, whereinthe foldable supporting frame will not be folded accidentally, such thatfoldable supporting frame will maintain its stability when it isunfolded and in use.

Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparentfrom the description which follows and may be realized by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particular point out in the appendedclaims.

According to the present invention, the foregoing and other objects andadvantages are attained by a foldable container, which comprises:

-   a foldable supporting frame;-   at least one operation switch, wherein the operation switch is    coupled with the foldable supporting frame to move the foldable    supporting frame between an unfolded mode and a folded mode through    a pulling operation of the operation switch; and-   a container body, wherein the container body is supported on the    foldable supporting frame, wherein the container body has a    surrounding edge defining an opening thereof surrounded by the edge,    wherein at the unfolded mode, the opening of the container body is    opened, wherein at the folded mode, the opening of the container    body is closed, wherein the container body is automatically folded    as the foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to    the folded mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container body isconnected to the operation switch, wherein the operation switch isactuated by a pulling operation of the container body in order to foldup the foldable supporting frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supportingframe is driven to fold by a folding of the container body, wherein thefoldable supporting frame is maintained at the unfolded mode by thesupport of the operation switch, such that when the operation switch isactuated to release the support of the foldable supporting frame, andthe foldable supporting frame is moved from the unfolded mode to thefolded mode.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supportingframe comprises two folding arms and at least four supporting legs,wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the supporting legs,wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected with each other at theoperation switch, wherein the folding arm and the supporting leg arepivotally rotated with each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supportingframe further comprises a pivot shaft, wherein each of the supportinglegs is pivotally connected to each of the folding arms about the pivotshaft, wherein when the folding arm is rotated, the supporting leg isdriven by the folding arm to rotate about the pivot shaft.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding arm furthercomprises a switch rod, wherein the switch rod is disposed at an end ofone of the folding arms, wherein in the unfolded mode, the switch rod issupported by the operation switch to limit the movement between the twofolding arms of the foldable support frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the folding arm furthercomprises a rotating rod, wherein two of the folding arms are pivotallyconnected to each other about the rotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the rotating rod is placedin the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, one of the folding arms isaffixed to the operation switch, and another one is freely placed on theoperation switch to form a fixed folding arm and a free rotatablefolding arm respectively. The fixed folding arm and the rotating rod arearranged on the operation switch while the free rotatable folding arm ismovably arranged on the operation switch about the rotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the freerotatable folding arm is further transversely connected with the switchrod, wherein when the folding arm is unfolded, the free rotatablefolding arm is parallel to the fixed folding arm while the switch rod issupported by the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switchcomprises a main body, a slider and a resilient member, wherein theslider is movably disposed on the main body, the resilient member isconnected to the main body, and the slider is affixed inside the mainbody.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body is constructedand shaped to retain at the end of the folding arm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the free rotatable foldingarm is rotatably held on the main body, wherein the fixed folding arm isfirmly held on the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the main body is constructedto have two fixed arm cavities, two free arm cavities and a slidercavity, wherein the end of the fixed folding arm is affixed to the fixedarm cavity, and the rotating rod is laterally arranged in the fixed armcavity, wherein the end of the free rotatable folding arm is movablyplaced in the free arm cavity and is rotatably connected about therotating rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider has a supportingend, wherein the supporting end is formed with a unidirectional inclinedsloping surface, wherein the supporting end is pushed by the switch rodto move, and the supporting end is configured to support the weight ofthe switch rod without being pushed back.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switch isactuated by pulling a handle provided on the container body in order tofold the foldable supporting frame, wherein the operation switch furthercomprises a pulling strap, wherein the slider has a pulling end firmlyconnected to the pulling strap, wherein the pulling strap has one endconnecting to the handle and the opposed end connecting the pulling endof the slider.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the slider is moved back tothe slider cavity under the elastic force of the resilient member bypulling the pulling strap.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the supporting legsis coupled to an extension leg to raise the height of the containerbody.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the container body isconstructed to have a surrounding wall and a bottom wall sealinglyconnected to the surrounding wall to form a bowl shape of the containerbody, wherein the bottom wall has a drain port for draining the liquidcontained in the container body.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

-   two folding arms;-   at least four supporting legs; and-   at least one operation switch, wherein each of the folding arms is    supported by the supporting leg, wherein the supporting leg is    pivotally rotated with the folding arm, wherein the folding arms are    pivotally connected to the operation switch, wherein the operation    switch is arranged on the folding arm to move the folding arms    between an unfolded mode and a folded mode via a pulling force,    wherein the folding arm is maintained in the unfolded mode by a    support of the operation switch, wherein when the switch is actuated    to release the support of the folding arm, the folding arm is moved    from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

-   a supporting frame; and-   at least one operation switch, wherein the switch is arranged on the    supporting frame and is actuated through a pulling operation by a    pulling force to move the supporting frame between an unfolded mode    and a folded mode, wherein the supporting frame is maintained at the    unfolded mode by a support of the operation switch, wherein the    operation switch is actuated to release the support of the    supporting frame so as to automatically move the supporting frame    from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein supporting frame    comprises two folding arms and at least four supporting legs,    wherein each of the folding arms is supported by the supporting    legs, wherein the folding arms are pivotally connected to the    operation switch and are asymmetrical to each other, wherein the    folding arm and the supporting leg are pivot and rotate mutually.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the operation switch ismovably connected to the supporting frame, wherein the operation switchis actuated via a pulling force to fold the supporting frame.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame isopened to be unfolded and supported by the operation switch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the supporting frame furthercomprises a pivot shaft, wherein each of the supporting legs ispivotally connected to each of the folding arms about the pivot shaft,wherein when the folding arm is rotated, the supporting leg is driven torotate about the pivot shaft by the folding arm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the freerotatable folding arm is further connected transversely to the switchrod, wherein the switch rod can be supported by the switch, wherein whenthe folding arm is unfolded, the free rotatable arm is parallel to thefixed folding arm while the switch rod is supported by the operationswitch.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supportingframe further comprises a container body, wherein the container body isarranged on the supporting frame, and the container body is folded to beclosed as the supporting frame is folded, wherein the container body isopened as the supporting frame is unfolded.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a foldable supporting frame, which comprises:

-   a supporting frame; and-   at least one operation switch, wherein the operation switch is    arranged on the supporting frame and is actuated through a pulling    operation by a pulling force to move the supporting frame between an    unfolded mode and a folded mode, wherein the supporting frame is    maintained at the unfolded mode by a support of the operation    switch, wherein the operation switch is actuated to release the    support of the supporting frame so as to automatically move the    supporting frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein    the operation switch comprises a main body, a slider and a resilient    member, wherein the slider is movably arranged on the main body,    wherein the resilient member is connected to the main body and the    slider, wherein the slider is affixed inside the main body.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the foldable supportingframe further comprises a container body, wherein the container body hasan edge and an opening formed around the edge, wherein at the unfoldedmode, the opening of the container body is opened, wherein at the foldedmode, the opening of the container body is closed, wherein the containerbody is automatically folded as the foldable supporting frame is movedfrom the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the presentinvention comprises a folding method for a foldable supporting frame,which comprises the steps of:

-   folding a container body via a pulling force; and-   when folding up the container body, folding the foldable supporting    frame from the unfolded mode to the folded mode, wherein at the    unfolded mode, the container body is supported by the foldable    supporting frame, and at the folded mode, the foldable supporting    frame and the container body are folded together.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description,the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded modeaccording to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the foldable container at a folded modeaccording to the above first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the foldable container at thefolded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates the supporting structure of the foldable containerat the unfolded mode according to the above first preferred embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the supporting frame of thefoldable container according to the above first preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an application of the foldable container at theunfolded mode according to the above first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate an unfolding operation of the foldablecontainer according to the above first preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 7A to 7C illustrate a folding operation of the foldable containeraccording to the above first preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfolded modeaccording to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9B illustrate an unfolding operation of the foldablecontainer according to the above second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 10A to 10B illustrate a folding operation of the foldablecontainer according to the above second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfoldedmode according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an application of the foldable container at theunfolded mode according to the above third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating the foldable container serving as arocking container.

FIG. 13 illustrates an application of the foldable container at theunfolded mode according to the above third preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, illustrating the foldable container serving as a babycrib.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a foldable container according to afourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 14 .

FIG. 15B is an exploded view of a foldable container according to theabove fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a foldable container at an unfolded modeaccording to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a foldable container at an unfolded modeaccording to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18A is a sectional view illustrating the support pad in a pocket ofthe container body according to the above sixth preferred embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18B is a sectional view illustrating the pad bodes of thesupporting pad in two receiving pockets of the container body accordingto an alternative mode of the above sixth preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a foldable container at an unfoldedmode according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the foldable supporting frame of thefoldable container at the unfolded mode according to the above seventhpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the foldable supporting frame of thefoldable container at a folded mode according to the above seventhpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following description is disclosed to enable any person skilled inthe art to make and use the present invention. Preferred embodiments areprovided in the following description only as examples and modificationswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principlesdefined in the following description would be applied to otherembodiments, alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and applicationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse“, “upper”,“lower”, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”,“top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, and “interior” in the following descriptionrefer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanyingdrawings for easy understanding of the present invention withoutlimiting the actual location or orientation of the present invention.Therefore, the above terms should not be an actual location limitationof the elements of the present invention.

It is appreciated that the terms “one”, “a”, and “an” in the followingdescription refer to “at least one” or “one or more” in the embodiment.In particular, the term “a” in one embodiment may refer to “one” whilein another embodiment may refer to “more than one”. Therefore, the aboveterms should not be an actual numerical limitation of the elements ofthe present invention.

The present invention provides a foldable container which comprises asupporting frame which is preferably a foldable frame and a containerbody arranged on the supporting frame for containing water or liquid.The container body is fixed or detachably mounted on the supportingframe and is able to be unfolded for containing water or liquid, orfolded for easy storage and transportation.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 13 of the drawings, a foldable containeraccording to a preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated, wherein the foldable container is suitable for containingwater or liquid for cleaning therein to serve as a bathtub or a swimmingpool. The foldable container comprises a foldable supporting frame 10,an operation switch 20 being operated through a pulling operation by apulling force to operate and move the foldable supporting frame 10between an unfolded mode and a folded mode, and a container body 30being placed and supported on the foldable supporting frame 10. In otherwords, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the containerbody 30 is also unfolded for containing the liquid therein. When thefoldable supporting frame 10 is moved to its folded mode, the containerbody 30 and the foldable supporting frame 10 are folded together, suchthat the entire foldable container can be stored in a folded state.

Preferably, when the foldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, thecontainer body 30 is automatically unfolded along with the foldingoperation of the foldable supporting frame 10. In other words, duringthe folding process of the foldable supporting frame 10, the containerbody 30 is automatically folded when the foldable supporting frame 10 isfolded. Preferably, the foldable supporting frame 10 is a rigid framethat is made of a material selected from the group consisting of wood,metal, metal alloy, and plastic. Metal of the material of the foldablesupporting frame 10 may be Iron, Copper, or Aluminium. The containerbody 30 is preferably a flexible body that is made of a flexiblewater-proof material such as PE (Polyethylene), PVC (PolyvinylChloride), PP (Polypropylene) and TPU (Thermoplastic Urethane).Accordingly, the flexible container body 30 is constructed to be easy tobe folded up with a folding of the foldable supporting frame 10 andunfolded with an unfolding of the foldable supporting frame 10, when thefoldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the foldable supporting frame10 is supported in the unfolded mode by the operation switch 20 toprovide a rigid support to the container body 30, and the operationswitch 20 is able to be operated to release the rigid support of thefoldable supporting frame 10 when the foldable supporting frame 10 isoperated from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

It is worth mentioning that the present invention provides a singlepulling operation referring to the one-way mode when the foldablecontainer is operated to moved and converted from the unfolded mode tothe folded mode. In other words, operating the foldable container at thesame direction can move the foldable container from the unfolded mode tothe folded mode. Preferably, the single pulling operation in the presentinvention refers to the one-way pulling operation when operating thefoldable container to move from the unfolded mode to the folded mode. Inother words, pulling the foldable container at the same direction at onetime can move the foldable container from the unfolded mode to thefolded mode. It is appreciated that those skilled in the art shouldunderstand that pulling the foldable container at the same direction indifferent stages can also move the foldable container from the unfoldedmode to the folded mode. For example, pulling the foldable containertwice toward the same direction can also move the foldable containerfrom the unfolded mode to the folded mode. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ,the container body 30 according to the preferred embodiment is fixedlycoupled at the foldable supporting frame 10. The container body 30 isdriven by the foldable supporting frame 10 to be folded and unfolded.When the container body 30 is needed to be unfolded, the foldablesupporting frame 10 is operated to unfold the container body 30. It isworth mentioning that the foldable container can be unfolded as a wholesystem without any additional step. No additional step is required toopen up the container body 30 or improve the stability of the containerbody 30. When the foldable supporting frame 10 is operated to expand andunfolded, the container body 30 is simultaneously expanded at its setupstate. In addition, folding up the container body 30 by folding thefoldable supporting frame 10 is similar. When the foldable supportingframe 10 is folded, the foldable supporting frame 10 will drive thecontainer body 30 to fold. Therefore, the folding or unfolding of thefoldable container can be easily operated.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the foldable supporting frame 10 comprises at leasttwo top supporting arms 11, at least two folding arms 12, and at leastfour supporting legs 13. Each of the top supporting arms 11 is placed onthe folding arm 12 and the supporting leg 13, wherein the folding arm 12and the top supporting arm 11 are supported by the supporting leg 13.Preferably, the number of the top supporting arms 11, the folding arms12 and the supporting legs 13 are corresponding, wherein each of the topsupporting arm 11 and each of the folding arms 12 are correspondinglysupported by the supporting leg 13.

It is worth mentioning that the folding arms 12 are pivotally connectedto each other by the operation switch 20. The rotation of the foldingarm 12 is configured to drive the folding or unfolding movement of thetop supporting arm 11 and the supporting leg 13. When the foldablesupporting frame 10 is in the folded mode, the two folding arms 12 arearranged to be folded and overlapped each other. When the foldablesupporting frame 10 is in the unfolded mode, the two folding arms 12 arearranged to be unfolded to open and extended flatly. Therefore, when thefolding arm 12 is folded, the top supporting arm 11 and the supportingleg 13 are folded following the folding operation of the folding arm 12.Therefore, by only folding the folding arm 12, the entire foldablesupporting frame 10 is folded, which is convenient in operation. Whenthe foldable supporting frame 10 is folded, the container body 30 iscorrespondingly folded.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the operation switch 20 is connected to two ends ofthe two folding arms 12 to control the foldable supporting frame 10 toswitch between folding and unfolding. The switch 20 can be furtheroperated by being pulled to move the folding arm 12 from the unfoldedmode to the folded mode. In other words, when the foldable supportingframe 10 is in the unfolded mode, the operation switch 20 is pulled todrive and move the folding arm 12. In other words, the folding arm 12 isfolded due to gravity and loss of supportability. Though the pullingoperation, the operation switch 20 is pulled to fold the foldablesupporting frame 10.

Specifically, the two folding arms 12 are pivotally connected with eachother around a rotating rod 121, wherein the rotating rod 121 is placedbetween the ends of the two folding arms 12. The rotating rod 121 isinstalled into the operation switch 20. The two folding arms 12 arerotated around the operation switch 20, wherein the operation switch 20is configured to restrict the rotations of the folding arms 12 relativeto each other. According to the first embodiment, one of the foldingarms 12 is fixed to the operation switch 20, while another folding arm12 is relatively free to rotate relative to the operation switch 20. Inother words, one of the folding arms 12 is defined as a fixed foldingarm 1202, and another folding arm 12 is a free rotatable folding arm1201. The fixed folding arm 1202 is installed into the operation switch20 together with the rotating rod 121. The free rotatable folding arm1201 is rotatably coupled at the operation switch 20 around the rotatingrod 121.

In addition, the rotation of the fixed folding arm 1202 and the freerotatable folding arm 1201 around the rotating rod 121 are asymmetrical.In other words, when the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatablefolding arm 1201 are folded with each other, the fixed folding arm 1202and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 are staggered and stacked witheach other and will not contact or collide with each other. On one side,the fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201 willnot be mechanically damaged during the folding and unfolding operations.On the other side, after folding, a retention channel is formed betweenthe fixed folding arm 1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201.

It is worth mentioning that the end of the free rotatable folding arm1201 is further transversely connected to a switch rod 122. When thefolding arm 12 is flatly unfolded, the switch rod 122 is firmlysupported by the operation switch 20, wherein the free rotatable foldingarm 1201 is parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202. When the switch rod122 is supported, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is relativelysupported on the same side of the fixed folding arm 1202. When theoperation switch 20 is configured to keep supporting the switch rod 122,the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is configured to remains relativeparallel to the fixed folding arm 1202. When the switch rod 122 isreleased from the operation switch 20, the free rotatable folding arm1201 will lose its support. Under the action of gravity force, the freerotatable folding arm 1201 will rotate around the rotating rod 121 andfold toward the fixed folding arm 1202. In other words, when the switchrod 122 is supported by the operation switch 20, due to the restrictionof the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 is unfolded and isdifficult to change its position. Once the switch rod 122 is detachedfrom the operation switch 20, the folding arm 12 can rotate around therotating rod 121 to be folded. Therefore, the folding arm 12 iscontrolled by the operation switch 20 for controlling the movement ofthe folding arm 12, wherein the folding position or the unfoldingposition of the foldable supporting frame 10 is indirectly controlled bythe operation switch 20.

In addition, the supporting legs 13 and the folding arms 12 arepivotally connected to pivot shafts 130 respectively. When the foldingarm 12 is operated to rotate around the rotating rod 121, the angle anddistance between the folding arms 12 are changed while the supportingleg 13 is driven to rotate around the pivot shafts 130. Each of thesupporting legs 13, each of the folding arms 12, and the pivot shaft 130are formed into a rotatable X-shaped frame. Since the movements of thefolding arms 12 are transmitted to the supporting legs 13, thesupporting legs 13 are automatically moved for being further folded orunfolded via the folding arms 12.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the container body 30 is detachablyconnected to the foldable supporting frame 10. The container body 30 canbe further removed from the folding supporting frame 10 for being andcleaned or disinfected.

Furthermore, the top supporting arm 11 is driven to rotate by thesupporting leg 13 via a folding assembly 110, wherein the foldingassembly 110 is installed at the top of the supporting leg 13. When thesupporting leg 13 is folded or unfolded as the folding arm 12 rotates,the top supporting arm 11 is driven to rotate around the foldingassembly 110. Each of the supporting legs 13, each of the top supportingarms 11, and the folding assembly 110 are formed into a rotatableinversed V-shaped frame. Since the folding assembly 110 is driven, it isnot necessary to fold or unfold the supporting leg 13 because themovement of the folding assembly 110 will be transmitted to thesupporting leg 13.

In detail, the folding assembly 110 comprises a rotatable base 111 and alinkage unit 112. The rotatable base 111 is coupled at the end of thetop supporting arm 11 to receive the upper end of the supporting leg 13in the rotatable base 111. The linkage unit 12 comprises two linkagemembers 1121 respectively mounted on the top end of the supporting leg13 and the end of the top supporting arm 11. The linkage members 1121are connected by link shafts 1122, so that the angle between each topsupporting arm 11 and each supporting leg 13 can be controlled and has amaximum angle limitation. Each of the top supporting arms 11, each ofthe supporting legs 13 and the linkage member 1121 are formed in an Ashape, wherein the top supporting arms 11 will drive the supporting legs13 to move, while the supporting legs 13 will drive the top supportingarm 11 to move around the rotatable base 111.

Preferably, by operating the operation switch 20 to release the switchrod 122 and to fold the folding arm 12, the supporting leg 13 and thetop supporting arm 11 are corresponding folded. Preferably, the topsupporting arm 11 is expanded to further drive the folding arm 12 to besupported on the operation switch 20 and to drive the supporting leg 13to expand.

Furthermore, each of the supporting legs 13 is configured forcorrespondingly installing an extension leg 14 for increasing the heightof the top supporting arm 11 and keeping the container body 30 on thetop supporting arm 11 in a preset position, as shown in FIG. 5 . Throughthe extension legs 14, the container body 30 is supported and raisedabove the ground for hygienic and cleaning purpose while the water orcleaning liquid is contained in the container body 30. As a result, theuser can comfortably use the container body 30 without bending theuser’s body.

The container body 30 comprises a surrounding wall 31 and a bottom wall32 sealingly connected to the surrounding wall 31 to form the containerbody 30 having a bowl shape and a surrounding edge 310 defining anopening thereof surrounded by the edge 310. The edge 310 of thesurrounding wall 31 is disposed on the top supporting arm 11 of thefoldable supporting frame 10. In one alternative mode of the presentinvention, the container body 30 is detachably mounted on the topsupporting arm 11 for replacement. The container body 30 furthercomprises at least one pocket 33 placed on the surrounding wall 31. Thepocket 33 is configured for keeping other items therein to facilitatethe reaching of items when using liquid for cleaning or playing in thecontainer body 30.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3B, the edge 310 of the surrounding wall 31is constructed to have a fixing rib 312 and an edge sleeve 311, whereinthe fixing rib 312 is configured to pass through the edge sleeve 311,such that the edge 310 is supported with its shape. The top supportingarm 11 further comprises a rod body 101, wherein the rod body 101 has afixing cavity 102 formed on one side of the rod body 101. The fixingcavity 102 is extended through the rod body 101, wherein the edge 310 ofthe surrounding wall 31 is installed inside the fixing cavity 102.

Specifically, the fixing rib 312 is extended into the fixing cavity 102of the rod body 101, such that the edge sleeve 311 to be carried issuspended and fixed to the rod body 101. In the first embodiment, thefixing cavity 102 of the rod body 101 has a U-shaped configuration,wherein the fixing rib 312 is configured to enter from an opening of thefixing cavity 102 into the fixing cavity 102. Furthermore, the edgesleeve 311 is formed in a U-shape and is also connected to the rod body101 of the top supporting arm 11 in a U-shape. When the surrounding wall31 is needed to be disassembled, the fixing rib 312 relatively removedfrom the fixing cavity 102 of the rod body 101, wherein the fixing rib312 is completely removed from the top supporting arm 11. Preferably,the rod body 101 is pulled to release the supportability of the edgesleeve 311. More preferably, the fixing rib 312 is detachably connectedto the sleeve edge 311, such that the sleeve edge 311 can be furtherfolded or cleaned.

It is worth mentioning that the bottom wall 32 has a drain port 322 fordraining the water or cleaning liquid in the container body 30.Preferably, the drain port 322 is set at the lowest location or area ofthe bottom wall 32 for effectively draining the liquid in the containerbody 30. The drain port 322 is able to connect a drain pipe 40 to allowliquid to flow out of the container body 30 along the drain pipe 40. Adrain plug can be detachably plugged at the drain port 322 to preventthe liquid being drained out the container body 30 through the drainport 322.

Particularly, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7C, when the foldable supportingframe 10 is in the folded mode, the drain pipe 40 is located in theretention channel. The retention channel is formed with a predeterminedwidth because of the asymmetric folding of the fixed folding arm 1202and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. The drain pipe 40 is located inthe retention channel and will not be pressed by the fixed folding arm1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. In other words, the drainpipe 40 is held in the retention channel at the folded mode, wherein thedrain pipe 40 is enclosed between two sides of the fixed folding arm1202 and the free rotatable folding arm 1201. Therefore, the drain pipe40 will not be damaged by any external impact, and the drain pipe 40 iskept in a certain position to avoid any unwanted movement, vibration orswinging.

The bottom wall 32 further comprises a handle 321 connected to theoperation switch 20. The operation switch 20 can be operated byoperating the handle 321 to fold the folding arm 12.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the operation switch 20 comprises a main body 21, aslider 22 movably coupled at the main body 21, and a resilient member 23connecting the main body 21 to the slider 22 so as to fasten the slider22 in the main body 21. The main constructed to have a shape for beingheld on the end of one of the folding arms 12. Particularly, the mainbody 21 is rotatably coupled at the free folding arm 1201 and fixedlycoupled at the fixed rotatable folding arm 1202. It is worth mentioningthat the slider 22 is partially protruded out of the main body 21 due tothe elastic force of the resilient member 23. When the resilient member23 is configured to push the slider 22 protruding out of the main body21, the slider 23 can support the folding arm 12 in place. Once theslider 22 is configured to move inside the main body 21, the folding arm12 will lose support, such that the folding arm 12 will fall down androtate around the rotating rod 121. When the folding arm 12 is no longersupported by the slider 22 of the operation switch 20, the folding arm12 is folded. As a result, the two folding arms 12 are folded to overlapeach other.

When the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated, is supported by theslider 22, and is parallel to the fixed folding arm 1202, the foldingarm 12 is unfolded flatly, while the folding supporting frame 10 is inthe unfolded mode. When the slider 22 is configured to move back in themain body 21, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is configured to dropand overlappedly fold with the fixed folding arm 1202.

According to the preferred embodiment, the main body 21 is formed withtwo fixed arm cavities 211, two free arm cavities 212 and a slidercavity 213. The end of the fixed folding arm 1202 is fixedly coupled inthe fixed arm cavity 211, and the rotating rod 121 is configured to passthrough the fixed arm cavity 211. The end of the free rotatable foldingarm 1201 is movably arranged in the free arm cavity 212 and rotatablyconnected around the rotating rod 121. Therefore, the rotating rod 121is configured to pass through the fixed arm cavity 211 and the free armcavity 212. In other words, both ends of the free rotatable folding arm1201 and both ends of the fixed folding arm 1202 surround the rotatingrod 121. The fixed folding arm 1202 and the fixed arm cavity 211 of themain body 21 remain stationary, wherein the free rotatable folding arm1201 is configured to rotate in the free arm cavity 212 of the main body21. The slider 22 is movably disposed in the slider cavity 213 to bemoved in or pushed by the resilient member 23 to move out of the slidercavity 213.

The switch rod 122 is located outside of the main body 21 and isconfigured to apply a pushing force to the slider 22 to move the slider22 backward in the slider cavity 213. When the switch rod 122 is liftedto force the slider 22 to move in, and when the free rotatable foldingarm 1201 is rotated around the rotating rod 121 to expand, the slider 22is pushed to move back into the slider cavity 213. When the switch rod122 passes over the slider 22 that no force is applied to the slider 22,the slider 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity 213 by the resilientmember 213 to protrude out of the slider cavity 213 again. The switchrod 122 is then supported by the slider 22 when protrude out of theslider cavity 213. Under this circumstances, the switch rod 122 cannotpush the slider 22 back, and the slider 22 bears the weight of theswitch rod 122. When the slider 22 is kept protruding out of the slidercavity 213 and the switch rod 122 is still supported by the slider 22 ofthe operation switch 20, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 and thefixed folding arm 1202 are relatively unfolded, while the folding arm 12is laid flat and stable.

The slider 22 has a supporting end 221 defining a unidirectionalinclined sloping surface. The switch rod 122 is configured to push thesupporting end 221 along the sloping surface thereof. The supporting end221 of the slider 22 is configured to support the switch rod 122 on theplanar surface thereof to bear the weight of the switch rod 122 so as toprevent the switch rod 122 being pushed back.

The slider 22 has a pulling end 222 firmly connected to a pulling strap24. By pulling out the pulling strap 24, the slider 22 is configured toresist the elastic force of the resilient member 23 and to move backwardin the slider cavity 213.

The slider 22 further comprises a stopper 223 protruded from the mainbody 21 to engage with the slider 22 inside the slider cavity 213 forpreventing the slider 22 from moving out of the slider cavity 213 viathe pushing force of the resilient member 23. In other words, the slider22 is pushed by the resilient member 23 and is held by the stopper 223in order to be held in the slider cavity 213. Also, the slider 22 isrestricted to move along a specific path in the slider cavity 213.According to the preferred embodiment, the slider 22 further comprisesat least one slide rail 2134 formed inside the slider cavity 213 tolimit the moving direction and distance of the slider 22. The slider 22further comprises at least one sliding leg 224, wherein the sliding leg224 is correspondingly engaged with the sliding rail 2134 of the slidingblock cavity 213.

The slider cavity 213 has a supporting opening 2131 corresponding to thefree rotatable folding arm 1201 and a pulling opening 2132 correspondingto the fixed folding arm 1202. The slider 22 is pushed by the resilientmember 23 to protrude out from the supporting opening 2131, wherein whenthe slider 22 is pressed by the switch rod 122, the slider 22 is pulledback toward the pulling opening 2132. The slider cavity 213 further hasa limitation window 2133. The limitation window 2133 is preferablylocated at the top of the main body 21. The limitation window 2133 isconfigured to accommodate the stopper 223 of the slider 22 inside thelimitation window 2133. The limitation window 2133 is configured toblock the stopper 223 and move within the area of the limitation window2133. In other alternative modes, the limitation window 2133 can beshaped as a groove to limit the movement of the stopper 223.

The pulling strap 24 is extended out of the main body 21 through thepulling opening 2132 from the pulling end 222 of the sliding block 22.When the pulling strap 24 is actuated to pull the slider 22 back to theslider cavity 213, the supporting end 221 is moved backward, such thatthe support of the switch rod 122 is dismissed due to the backwardmovement of the supporting end 221. The stopper 223 is restricted tocontinuously move backward by the limitation window 2133, so as to avoidfurther movement of the slider 22.

The pulling strap 24 has one end connecting to the handle 321 at thebottom wall 21 of the container body 30 and an opposed end connecting tothe slider 22. Therefore, when the handle 321 is pulled to lift thecontainer body 30, the pulling strap 24 is configured to transmit thepulling force to pull the slider 22 to move the slider 22 into theslider cavity 213. Only one action of pulling the handle 321 of thecontainer body 30 is required for operating the operation switch to foldthe foldable supporting frame 10.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the foldable containerduring the unfolding process according to the preferred embodiment areshown in FIGS. 6A to 6C.

When the foldable container is actuated for being used, as an example,the top supporting arms 11 are opened from the folded mode. The topsupporting arms 11 are configured to drive the supporting legs 13 tomove and expand around the folding assembly 110. The supporting legs 13are configured to drive the folding arms 12 to open about the pivotshafts 130. In other words, the folding arms 12 are driven to rotateabout the pivot shafts 130 by the movements of the supporting legs 13.When the folding arms 12 are unfolded to lay flat on each other, thefolding arms 12 are rotated about the rotating rod 121. The folding arm12 will be supported by the operation switch 20 to restrict its furthermovement.

Specifically, when the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotated to thefixed folding arm 1202, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is rotatedto be supported by the slider 22 of the operation switch 20 and isparallel to the fixed folding arm 1202, such that the folding arms 12are expand to lay flat on each other. The foldable support frame 10 isin the unfolded mode. When the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is drivento rotate, the switch rod 122 is lifted to apply the force to thesupporting end 221 of the slider 22. Then the slider 22 is pushed tomove back into the slider cavity 213. After the switch rod 122 iscontinuously raised to pass over the slider 22, the slider 22 is notaffect by the force, such that the slider 22 is pushed out of the slidercavity 213 by the resilient member 23 to protrude out of the slidercavity 213. The switch rod 122 is supported on the slider 22 when theslider 22 is protruded out of the slider cavity 213. Under thiscircumstance, the switch rod 122 cannot push the slider 22 back byexerts its weight on the slider 22. Therefore, the folding arm 12 isunfolded and is stably supported by the switch 20. The foldable supportframe 10 is moved at its unfolded mode. The container body 30 is openedup as the top supporting arms 11 are expanded.

Accordingly, as the top supporting arm 11 of the foldable support frame10 is unfolded, the folding arm 12 is stably supported by the operationswitch 20. Furthermore, under the movement of the top supporting arm 11,the container body 30 is actuated to be opened.

In addition, the relationship and movement of the foldable containerduring the folding process according to the preferred embodiment areshown in FIGS. 7A to 7C.

In order to fold the foldable container, the handle 321 is pulled tolift the container body 30, such that the pulling strap 24 will transmita pulling force to pull the slider 22 to move back in the slider cavity213. When the folding arm 12 is unfolded, the supporting end 221 willsupport the switch rod 122 on its planar surface to bear the weight ofthe switch rod 122 without being pushed back. When the slider 22 ismoved backward in the slider cavity 213, the slider 22 will resist theelastic force of the resilient member 23. The switch rod 122 of thefolding arm 12 will be dropped after losing the supportability so as tocause the free rotatable folding arm 1201 to rotate about the rotatingrod 121. In other words, the free rotatable folding arm 1201 is droppedand folded with the fixed folding arm 1202.

When two arm portions of the folding arm 12 are folded with each other,the top supporting arms 11 and the supporting legs 13 are also foldedaccordingly. The rotation of the folding arm 12 will drive thesupporting legs 13 to move about the pivot shafts 130. In other words,the supporting legs 13 are configured to rotate with the foldingmovements of the folding arms 12, such that the top supporting arm 11 isdriven to rotate around the folding assembly 110 to be folded.

Accordingly, when the pulling strap 24 is pulled to operate theoperation switch 20, the folding arm 12 will lose the support of theoperation switch 20. Then, when folding arm 12 is folded due to gravity,the supporting legs 13, the top supporting arms 11 and the containerbody 30 are also folded along with the folding movements of the foldingarms 12. Therefore, the foldable container is folded up by one singlepulling action.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 10B, a foldable container according to a secondembodiment illustrates an alternative mode of the first embodiment,wherein the difference between the first and second embodiments is thatthe container body 30′ is detachably coupled on the foldable supportingframe 10′. It is worth mentioning that the container body 30′ can be anyconventional container suitable for being carried by the foldablesupporting frame 10′.

The foldable supporting frame 10′ comprises at least two folding arms12′ and at least four supporting legs 13′. Preferably, the number of thefolding arms 12′ and the number of the supporting legs 13′ are designedaccordingly. Each of the folding arms 12′ is correspondingly supportedby the two supporting legs 13′.

In addition, according to the embodiment, the supporting legs 13′ arepivotally connected to each other about the pivot shaft 130′ and aredriven by the folding arms 12 to rotate about the pivot shaft 130′. Asshown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, as the folding arms 12′ rotate about therotating rod 121′ to be folded or unfolded, the angle and distancebetween the folding arms 12′ will change. The supporting legs 13′ arealso driven to rotate about the pivot shaft 130′.

According to the second embodiment, two of the operation switches 20 areinstalled on one of the folding arms 12′. The operation switch 20 hasthe same structure and function as the above-mentioned first embodiment,and thus not be repeated here. However, the switch rod 122′ is designedand shaped differently. The switch rod 122′ is integrally formed on thefolding arm 12′ for providing supporting purpose.

In addition, FIGS. 9A to 9B illustrate the relationship and movement ofunfolding the foldable container according to the preferred embodiment.

The foldable supporting frame 10′ is opened from the folded mode. Thesupporting legs 13′ are driven by the folding arms 12′ and are expandedabout the pivot shafts 130′. The supporting legs 13′ can drive thefolding arms 12′ to be opened. When the folding arms 12′ are unfolded tolay flat with each other, the folding arms 12′ are rotated about therotating rod 121′. The folding arm 12′ will be supported by theoperation switch 20 to restrict further downward movement, and furtherupward movement is restricted by the supporting leg 13′ and the pivotshaft 130′.

Specifically, when one of the folding arms 12′ is rotated toward anotherfolding arm 12, the switch rod 122′ is lifted to the supporting end 211of the slider 22. Each of the sliders 22 is configured to support theside of the switch rod 122′, such that the switch rod 122′ issymmetrically supported by the two operation switches 20. Then, each ofthe sliders 22 is pushed by the switch rod 122′ to move into the slidercavity 213, such that the switch rod 122′ will continue to lift and passthe slider 22. Each of the sliders 22 is pushed out of the slider cavity213 by the resilient member 23 so as to protrude out of the slidercavity 213 again. The switch rod 122′ is supported by the slider 22 andplaced on the two operation switches 20 when the slider 22 is protrudedout of the slider cavity 213. Under the circumstance, the switch rod112′ cannot push the slider 22 backward, and the weight of the switchrod 122′ is supported on the slider 22. Then, the folding arm 12′ isunfolded and is stably supported by the operation switch 20. Thefoldable supporting frame 10′ is then moved at the unfolded mode. Thecontainer body 30′ can be placed on the folding arms 12′.

Accordingly, as the folding arm 12′ or the supporting leg 13′ of thefoldable supporting frame 10′ is unfolded, the folding arm 12′ is stablysupported by the operation switch 20, such that the switch lever 122′can support the weight of the container body 30′.

In addition, relationship and movement of the foldable container duringthe folding process according to the preferred embodiment are shown inFIGS. 10A to 10B.

When the folding arm 12′ is unfolded, the switch rod 122′ is supportedon the planar surface of the supporting end 221 to support the weight ofthe switch rod 122′ without being pushed back. In order to fold thefoldable container, it is necessary to pull the two pulling straps 24′,such that each slider 22 is moved backward in the slider cavity 213.Each of the sliders 22 is pulled back in the slider cavity 213 againstthe elastic force of the resilient member 23. The switch rod 122′ of thefolding arm 12′ will lose the support, and then will fall and rotateabout the rotating rod 121′. In other words, one of the folding arms 12′is dropped for being folded with another folding arm 12′. The rotationof the folding arm 12′ will drive the supporting leg 13′ to move aboutthe pivot shaft 130′. In other words, as the folding arm 12′ is folded,the supporting leg 13′ is rotated correspondingly.

Normally, when the pulling strap 24 is pulled to actuate the operationswitch 20, the folding arm 12′ will lose the support provided by theoperation switch 20. Then the folding arm 12′ is folded by its owngravity, wherein the supporting leg 13′ is folded as the folding arm 12′is folded. Therefore, the foldable container is folded by the singlepulling action.

In an alternative mode of the present invention, two pulling straps 24can be connected end-to-end. Then, by pulling only one of the pullingstraps 24, the two operation switches 20 can be operated. In addition,the two ends of the pulling strap 24 are securely fastened to the twosliders 22 respectively. By pulling the pulling strap 24, the twooperation switches 20 are operated at the same time.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 , a foldable container according toa third embodiment illustrates another alternative mode of the firstembodiment, wherein the difference between the first and thirdembodiment is that the third embodiment further comprises a mattress 50Adisposed in the container body 30, such that the container body 30serves as a bed or a resting basket, the mattress 50A provides a rigidsupport to the child or pet in the container body 30.

In other words, at least two folding arms 12 and at least foursupporting legs 13 are correspondingly configured, wherein each of thefolding arms 12 is correspondingly supported by two supporting legs 13.Similarly, the supporting legs 13 are pivotally connected to each otherabout the pivot shaft 130, wherein the supporting leg 13 is driven bythe folding arm 12 to rotate about the pivot shaft 130. As the foldingarms 12 rotate about the rotating rod 121 to fold or unfold, the angleand distance between the folding arms 12 change. The supporting leg 13is also driven to rotate about the pivot shaft 130. The operation switch20 is coupled at one of the folding arms 12. The operation switch 20 hasthe same structure and function as the above mentioned first embodiment,and thus not being repeated here.

It is worth mentioning that the extension legs 14A of the foldablesupporting frame 10 are implemented differently in the third embodiment.The extension leg 14A further comprises a rocking frame 141A, two cornerframes 142A, and two foot stands 143A, wherein the rocking frame 141A isan elongated bar shape and is formed in a curved manner, wherein twoends of the rocking frame 141A is coupled to the two corner frames 142Arespectively, wherein the foot stands 143A are pivotally coupled at thecorner frames 142A respectively. The rocking frame 141A is arrangedextended along a lower part of the supporting leg 13 in a convex mannerfor supporting on the ground. Each of the foot stands 143A comprises asupporting stand 1431A and a swinging stand 1432A integrally extendedtherefrom. For retaining the extension leg 14A at a stationary position,the supporting stands 1431A are rotatably extended toward a direction ofthe supporting leg 13 away from the rocking frame 141A and are rotatablyfolded away from each other to stand on the ground. For retaining theextension leg 14A at a rocking position, the supporting stands 1431A arerotatably folded to overlap with the rocking frame 141A, wherein theswinging stands 1432A are outwardly extended from the two corner frames142A for limiting a rocking motion of the rocking frame 141A.

Furthermore, the supporting stand 1431A and the swinging stand 1432A areintegrally formed in a one-piece member and are rotatably coupled at thecorner frames 142A respectively. As shown in FIG. 12 , when the swingingstand 1432A is rotated to extend to the direction of the supporting leg13, the rocking frame 141A is supported on the ground. Via the curvatureof the rocking frame 141A, the extension legs 14 can be rocked at asideward rocking motion. Therefore, when the mattress 50A is placed inthe container body 30, the container body 30 serves as a baby crib orbaby cradle for a baby resting therein.

As shown in FIG. 13 , when the supporting stands 1431A are rotatablyextended to the direction of the supporting leg 13, the supportingstands 1431A are supported on the ground, such that the rocking frame141A is raised above the ground. Then, the extension leg 14A is stablysupported on the ground with four ground points. Therefore, when themattress 50A is placed on the container body 30A, the container body 30Aserves as a infant bed for a baby, and the foldable supporting frame 10serves as a rocking bed for the baby.

It is worth mentioning that the operation of the extension legs 14A willnot affect the unfolding and folding operations of the foldablesupporting frame 10. The mattress 50A further comprises with a mattresshandle 51A, wherein the mattress handle 51A is connected to theoperation switch 20 to be pulled up for actuating the folding operationof the operation switch 20.

According to the preferred embodiment, the present invention furtherprovides a folding method for the foldable container, which comprisesthe steps of:

-   folding the container body 30 via a pulling force; and-   when folding up the container body 30, folding the foldable    supporting frame 10 from the unfolded mode to the folded mode,    wherein at the unfolded mode, the container body 30 is supported by    the foldable supporting frame 10, and at the folded mode, the    foldable supporting frame and the container body 30 are folded    together.

Specifically, the container body 30 is connected with the operationswitch 20, wherein the operation switch 20 is actuated to fold thefoldable supporting frame 10. In other words, the operation of thecontainer body 30 is configured to drive the operation of the operationswitch 20, thereby realizing the folding operation of the foldablesupporting frame from the container body 30. Since the container body 30is folded by the pulling action to fold up the foldable supporting frame10 at the same time, the entire folding operation of the foldablecontainer is automatically actuated and completed by one pulling action.

As shown in FIGS. 14 to 15B, a foldable container according to a fourthpreferred embodiment illustrates another alternative mode of the firstembodiment, wherein the difference between the fourth embodiment and thefirst embodiment is that the foldable container of the fourth embodimentfurther comprises a supporting pad 60B disposed in the container body30B, wherein the supporting pad 60B has a flat supporting surface 601Bfor supporting the child or pet in the container body 30B when thefoldable container is in the unfolded mode.

According to this preferred embodiment, when the foldable supportingframe 10 is unfolded, the container body 30B and the supporting pad 60Bare automatically unfolded along with the folding operation of thefoldable supporting frame 10. In other words, during the folding processof the foldable supporting frame 10, the container body 30B and thesupporting pad 60B are automatically folded when the foldable supportingframe 10 is folded.

The foldable supporting frame 10 is a rigid frame that is made of amaterial selected from the group consisting of wood, metal, metal alloy,and plastic. The container body 30B is preferably a flexible body thatis made of a flexible water-proof material such as PE (Polyethylene),PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), PP (Polypropylene) and TPU (ThermoplasticUrethane). The container body 30B comprises a surrounding wall 31B, abottom wall 32B sealingly connected to the surrounding wall 31B to formthe container body 30B, and a surrounding edge 310B defining an opening301B thereof surrounded by the edge 310B.

The container body 30B is made of the flexible water-proof material, andthus the flexible container body 30B is constructed to be easy to befolded up with a folding of the foldable supporting frame 10 andunfolded with an unfolding of the foldable supporting frame 10, when thefoldable supporting frame 10 is unfolded, the foldable supporting frame10 is supported in the unfolded mode by the operation switch 20 toprovide a rigid support to the container body 30B, and the operationswitch 20 is able to be operated to release the rigid support of thefoldable supporting frame 10 when the foldable supporting frame 10 isoperated from the unfolded mode to the folded mode.

The foldable supporting frame 10 comprises two container arms 11, atleast two folding arms 12 and at least four supporting legs 13 that arecorrespondingly configured, wherein each of the folding arms 12 iscorrespondingly supported by two supporting legs 13. Similarly, thesupporting legs 13 are pivotally connected to each other about the pivotshaft 130, wherein the supporting leg 13 is driven by the folding arm 12to rotate about the pivot shaft 130. As the folding arms 12 rotate aboutthe rotating rod 121 to fold or unfold, the angle and distance betweenthe folding arms 12 change. The supporting leg 13 is also driven torotate about the pivot shaft 130. The operation switch 20 is coupled atone of the folding arms 12. The operation switch 20 has the samestructure and function as the above mentioned first embodiment, and thusnot being repeated here.

According to this preferred embodiment, the supporting pad 60B isintroduced so as to provide a rigid and stable support to the child orpet in the flexible container body 30B for bathing, cleaning or playing.In other words, with the support of the supporting pad 60B, the child orpet is able to stably stand or sit in the container body 30B above thesupporting pad 60B.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the supporting pad 60B comprises two pad bodies61B and a flexible connecting element 62B connected between the two padbodies 61B. Each of the two pad bodies 61 is made of a material that isrelatively rigid, so as to provide a relatively rigid support to thechild or pet when the foldable container is in the unfolded mode forchild or pet bathing. When the foldable container is in the folded mode,the container body 30B is folded along with the folding of the foldablesupporting frame 10, and the two pad bodies 61B are folded along withthe folding of the container body 30B and are overlapped with eachother. Each of the two pad bodies 61B may comprise a material selectedfrom the group consisting of wood, metal, metal alloy, plastic. Each ofthe two pad bodies 61B also can be a latex mattress, cotton mattress, asponge cushion mattress, or an air cushion mattress.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15B, the container body 30B comprises two walllayers 302B, the supporting pad 60B can be embedded between the two walllayers 302B of the bottom wall 32B, so that the supporting pad 60B isable to provide a rigid support at a bottom of the container body 30Band is foldable along with the folding of the container body 30B.

As shown in FIG. 16 of the drawings, a foldable container according to afifth preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, thesupporting pad 60C in this preferred embodiment can be disposed in thecontainer body 30C above the bottom wall 32C for supporting the child orpet. The supporting pad 60C has a flat supporting surface 601C forsupporting the child or pet in the container body 30C when the foldablecontainer is in the unfolded mode.

The supporting pad 60C can be embodied as an integral piece of pad bodythat can be disposed in the contain body 30C when the container body 30Cis in the unfolded mode, and can be taken out of the container body 30Cbefore the container body 30C is moved from the unfolded mode to thefolded mode. Alternatively, the bottom wall 32C of the container body isintegrally formed as the flat supporting surface 601C of the supportingpad 60C. In other words, the supporting pad 60C provides the bottom wall32C of the container body 30C.

According to this preferred embodiment, the supporting pad 60C can bedetachably coupled to the container body 30C, and the supporting pad60Ccomprises two pad bodies 61C, a flexible connecting element 62Cconnected between the two pad bodies 61C and two connector means 63Cconnecting the two pad bodies 61C to the surrounding wall 31C or bottomwall 32C of the container body 30C, so that the two pad bodies 61C areable to provide a rigid support to the child or pet when the foldablecontainer is in the unfolded mode and are able to be folded along withthe folding of the container body 30C and overlapped with each otherwhen the foldable container is in the folded mode. Each of the connectormeans 63C may comprise a pair of connector members and may be zipperconnecting means, button up connecting means, hook connecting means,adhering and attaching means, and so on.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18A, a foldable container according to a sixthpreferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated, thesupporting pad 60D in this preferred embodiment can be disposed in thecontainer body 30D under the bottom wall 32D for supporting the child orpet. Accordingly, the container body 30D comprises a receiving pocket34D that is arranged for receiving and holding the supporting pad 60D.The supporting pad 60D can be disposed into the receiving pocket 34Dwhen the foldable container is in use and can be taken out before thefoldable container is folded. The supporting pad 60D has a flatsupporting surface 601D for supporting the child or pet in the containerbody 30D when the foldable container is in the unfolded mode.

As shown in FIG. 18B, a foldable container according to an alternativemode of the above sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention isillustrated, the supporting pad 60E in this preferred embodiment can bedisposed in the container body 30E under the bottom wall 32E forsupporting the child or pet. Accordingly, the container body 30Ecomprises two receiving pockets 34E that are respectively arranged forreceiving and holding two pad bodies 61E of the supporting pad 60E. Thetwo pad bodies 61E of the supporting pad 60E can be disposed into thereceiving pockets 34E when the foldable container is in use and can betaken out before the foldable container is folded. The supporting pad60E has a flat supporting surface 601E for supporting the child or petin the container body 30E when the foldable container is in the unfoldedmode.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21 , a foldable container according to aseventh preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated,wherein the difference between the seventh embodiment and the firstembodiment is that the foldable container of the seventh embodimentfurther comprises a supporting pad 60F disposed on the foldablesupporting frame 10F under the container body 30, wherein the supportingpad 60F has a flat supporting surface 601F for supporting the child orpet in the container body 30F when the foldable container is in theunfolded mode.

The supporting pad 60F can be an add-on structure that can be disposedon foldable supporting frame 10F when the foldable container is in theunfolded mode for child or pet bathing.

In this preferred embodiment, the foldable supporting frame 10Fcomprises two container arms 11F, at least two folding arms 12F and atleast four supporting legs 13F are correspondingly configured, whereineach of the folding arms 12F is correspondingly supported by twosupporting legs 13F. Similarly, the supporting legs 13 are pivotallyconnected to each other about the pivot shaft 130F, wherein thesupporting leg 13F is driven by the folding arm 12F to rotate about thepivot shaft 130F. The operation switch 20F is coupled at one of thefolding arms 12F. The operation switch 20F has the same structure andfunction as the above mentioned first embodiment, and thus not beingrepeated here.

The supporting pad 60B comprises two pad bodies 61F that are connectedto said two folding arms 12F, so as to provide a rigid and stablesupport to the child or pet in the flexible container body 30 forbathing, cleaning or playing when the foldable container is in theunfolded mode. The two pad bodies 61F also can be folded and overlappedwith each other when the folding arms 12F are folded to drive the twopad bodies 61F to rotate

One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of thepresent invention as shown in the drawings and described above isexemplary only and not intended to be limiting. It will thus be seenthat the objects of the present invention have been fully andeffectively accomplished. The embodiments have been shown and describedfor the purposes of illustrating the functional and structuralprinciples of the present invention and is subject to change withoutdeparture from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes allmodifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable container for pet bathing, comprising:a supporting frame; a container body arranged on said supporting frame;and a supporting pad, wherein said container body is flexible and isconstructed to be unfolded for containing a liquid for the pet to bath,wherein said supporting pad is arranged at said container body forsupporting the pet in said container body.
 2. The foldable container, asrecited in claim 1, wherein said supporting pad is detachably coupled tosaid container body, wherein said supporting pad has a flat supportingsurface to provide a rigid support for the pet in said container body.3. The foldable container, as recited in claim 1, wherein said containerbody comprises a surrounding wall and a bottom wall connected to saidsurrounding wall, wherein said supporting pad is disposed in saidcontainer body and is coupled to one of said surrounding wall and saidbottom wall.
 4. The foldable container, as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid container body comprises a surrounding wall and a bottom wallconnected to said surrounding wall, wherein said bottom wall is formedby two wall layers, wherein said supporting pad is disposed between saidtwo wall layers.
 5. The foldable container, as recited in claim 1,wherein said container body comprises a surrounding wall, a bottom wallconnected to said surrounding wall, and has a receiving pocket connectedto said bottom wall, wherein said supporting pad is received in saidreceiving pocket.
 6. The foldable container, as recited in claim 1,wherein said supporting pad comprises two pad bodies which are foldedand overlapped with each other with a folding of said container body. 7.The foldable container, as recited in claim 4, wherein said supportingpad comprises two pad bodies which are folded and overlapped with eachother with a folding of said container body.
 8. The foldable container,as recited in claim 5, wherein said supporting pad comprises two padbodies which are folded and overlapped with each other with a folding ofsaid container body.
 9. The foldable container, as recited in claim 6,wherein said supporting pad further comprises a flexible connectingelement connected between said two pad bodies.
 10. The foldablecontainer, as recited in claim 7, wherein said supporting pad furthercomprises a flexible connecting element connected between said two padbodies.
 11. The foldable container, as recited in claim 8, wherein saidsupporting pad further comprises a flexible connecting element connectedbetween said two pad bodies.
 12. The foldable container, as recited inclaim 1, wherein said container body is folded up with a folding of saidfoldable supporting frame and unfolded with an unfolding of saidfoldable supporting frame.
 13. The foldable container, as recited inclaim 6, wherein said container body is folded up with a folding of saidfoldable supporting frame and unfolded with an unfolding of saidfoldable supporting frame.
 14. The foldable container, as recited inclaim 9, wherein said container body is folded up with a folding of saidfoldable supporting frame and unfolded with an unfolding of saidfoldable supporting frame.
 15. The foldable container, as recited inclaim 1, wherein said supporting frame is a rigid foldable supportingframe, wherein said container body comprises a bottom wall, asurrounding wall connected to said bottom wall, and a handle connectedto said bottom wall of said container body, wherein said handle isconfigured for driving a folding of said foldable supporting frame by asingle pulling operation, so as to fold up said container body with thefolding of said foldable supporting frame.
 16. The foldable container,as recited in claim 4, wherein said supporting frame is a rigid foldablesupporting frame, wherein said container body comprises a bottom wall, asurrounding wall connected to said bottom wall, and a handle connectedto said bottom wall of said container body, wherein said handle isconfigured for driving a folding of said foldable supporting frame by asingle pulling operation, so as to fold up said container body with thefolding of said foldable supporting frame.
 17. The foldable container,as recited in claim 5, wherein said supporting frame is a rigid foldablesupporting frame, wherein said container body comprises a bottom wall, asurrounding wall connected to said bottom wall, and a handle connectedto said bottom wall of said container body, wherein said handle isconfigured for driving a folding of said foldable supporting frame by asingle pulling operation, so as to fold up said container body with thefolding of said foldable supporting frame.
 18. The foldable container,as recited in claim 15, wherein said foldable supporting frame comprisestwo top supporting arms, wherein said surrounding wall comprises an edgewhich is detachably mounted to said two top supporting arms of saidfoldable supporting frame, wherein each of said two top supporting armscomprises a rod body having a fixing cavity, wherein said edge of saidsurrounding wall of said container body is received in said fixingcavity of each of said two top supporting arms to detachably mount saidcontainer body to said supporting frame.
 19. The foldable containeraccording to claim 18, wherein said edge of said surrounding wall ofsaid container body comprises a fixing rib and an edge sleeve, whereinsaid fixing rib is received in said edge sleeve and is extended intosaid fixing cavity of said rod body to install said edge sleeve in saidfixing cavity of said rod body.
 20. The foldable container according toclaim 15, wherein said handle is provided at said bottom wall insidesaid container body, wherein said handle is operatively connected tosaid foldable supporting frame and is pulled to fold said container bodyand said foldable supporting frame.